Washington State Chapter, LCTHF

Worlhy of Notice June 2003 Newsletter Vol. 4, Issue 3

- Dedicated to the Memory of Pam Anderson -

Editor's Note; Here we are, beginning the 3-year long bicentennial commemoration, and I don't have a feature article! Instead, what this issue has turned into is sort ·of a "leftover stew· of tidbits I have collected, but had no place to put them. So, here they are!

This also presents the opportunity fo "appeal" to you members for stories and articles that you might find to share with the chapter. They don't have to be scholarly research, just interesting inquiry into the subject that brings us all together, Lewis and Clark. If you have any material, you may send it to me by snail-mail or e-mail. If you find something on the web, send me the address and I will check it out. I can't promise that everything can or will be published, but I give priority to chapter members over outside material. After all, the chapter was established for the members. I hope you become involved. See you on "The Trail," Tim

President's Message: The sky was cloudy and the ground was wet but most of us managed to stay out of the water.

Only hardy Lewis and Clark students would trek two miles under such conditions to see historical sites. After exploring the Cathlapotle archaeological site and a Lewis and Clark campsite, the workshop for the construction of a Chinook style plankhouse was an added benefit to the field trip at Ridgefield after our spring meeting in Vancouver. Washington State Chapter members are always ready to get out on "The Trail".

Our next meeting at Fort Canby on Cape Disappointment will focus on preparations necessary for the chapter's involvement in the bicentennial observance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Martin Snoey has laid the groundwork to help the chapter fulfill its mission statement: to support education, research, development and preservation of the Lewis and Clark experience. Jay Rasmussen, Oregon Chapter president, has spearheaded the preparations for the LCTHF annual meeting at Portland in 2005. Our chapter has committed to help in this endeavor; therefore we will devote part of our meeting in the Ilwaco area to getting started on the plans for the Pacific Northwest's involvement in hosting the convention. Murray Hayes, program chairman, has also arranged an afternoon motor tour for Lewis and Clark sites along the coast.

The June meeting was arranged because the LCTHF annual meeting is on the East Coast this year. Also the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Fort Canby was scheduled to have their renovation project completed for a dedication ceremony in June. The construction will now be finished sometime toward the end of July. Since this would create a conflict with the LCTHF annual meeting, it was decided to keep the June date for our meeting. A few of our members have, however, indicated an interest in traveling to Philadelphia to participate in this year's bicentennial observance. "The Quest for Knowledge" program at the annual meeting promises to be an informative session.

For our fall meeting, Chapter Vice-president Gary Lentz is organizing a two day motor tour and campout on the "Overland Trail" in Eastern Washington, which has created a lot of interest for those who enjoy getting out on the original route of the expedition. This is part of "The TraW' that many do not take the time to write about, let alone travel and explore, is the "Overland Route." With Gary hosting this event, I'm sure that we will have much insightful information to add to our personal Lewis and Clark experiences.

I'm always hearing of our member's personal experience along the Lewis and Clark Trail. Take the time to jot down some memories and share them with us in our newsletter. Tim Underwood, Newsletter Editor, would appreciate your input. Hope to see you along "The Trair this summer. So, remember to mark your calendars and participate in our chapter's activities. Doc Wesselius

Spring 2003 Meeting, Washington State Chapter - LCTHF Vancouver, WA - The Chapter's spring meeting was held at the Three Creeks Community Library in the community of Salmon Creek north of Vancouver, WA President •Doc" Wesselius presided over the meeting and initiated self-introductions to start the event. Barb Kubik welcomed the group to Clark County, and gave a summary of the Lewis and Clark-associated projects in the area. In addition to a .river walk in Vancouver and Captain Clark Park in Washougal, the Cathlapotle Plankhouse Project at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is scheduled to be completed for the bicentennial observance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the Pacific Northwest. The goal is to build a full-scale traditional Chinook­style cedar plankhouse. This is a community project funded by a challenge grant and cost-share program. (See "Cathlapotle Update," page 4.)

Arlene Johnson organized the meeting facilities and the.afternoon tour, but was unable to attend the meeting. Barb, as usual, gave an informative overview of earty Clark County history and the area's association with the Corps of Discovery.

Rob Heacock's membership report was read in his absence, and Steve Wang of the State Parks and Recreation Department presented Lauren Danner's report in her absence. Steve expanded on the information in Lauren's report, and explained some of the funding for Washington State Parks in the preparations for the upcoming bicentennial observance. Murray Hayes reported on the events planned for the next chapter meeting at Fort Canby in June, and Gary Lentz presented the preliminary plans for the two-day motor tour in southeastern Washington along the "Overland Trail" in S(!ptember. The treasurer's report was given by Muff Donohue, followed by Connie Estep's report on the progress of the LC bird list she has been working on that will be printed in booklet-form when completed.

Board member Martin Snoey gave an informative lecture on the frnancial aspects of the proposed Chapter project. His approach to the accomplishment of the merchandising of products to represent the PNW and L&C helped the membership understand the depth of involvement that we can anticipate. After his review, the following motion was unanimously passed; The Officers and Board Members of the Washington State Chapter - LCTHF recommend that Martin Snoey proceed with the business plan presented at the May 10, 2003 general meeting to the end of raising money for a bicentennial project for the Chapter.

Yvette Donovan of the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge presented the program for the meeting. She gave a history of the refuge and its association with Lewis and Clark and the necessary information for the afternoon tour of the plankhouse and archaeological sites at the refuge.

Before the meeting ended, a donation was made to the Three Creeks Library for the use of its facilities, and two books from the Pam Anderson collection were awarded to the lucky raffle winners.

Despite some soggy ground here and there, and a couple members getting a "little wet," the afternoon tour of the Cathlapotle archaeological site, the "dryer" plankhouse site and a visit to the LC campsite were the "icing on the cake" to a wonderful day.

(Submitted by Doc Wesselius)

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To get an idea of the size; the planks shown are about T thick. (Photo courtesy c:l Gary Lentz, 2003)

June 21, 2003 Meeting-Washington State Chapter, LCTHF The June 21st meeting will be held at the Ft. Canby State Parle Lewis and Clari< Interpretive

Center just outside Ilwaco, WA. To take place in the Meeting Room, a short business meeting will be conducted by President Doc Wesselius beginning at 10:00, followed by a two-part program featuring Carolyn Glen and Steve Wang. Carolyn, of the Long Beach Visitors Bureau, will give us an update on the only Signature Event that will occur in Washington in 2005, "Destination - The Pacific." She will also outline possible ways in which the chapter can help, and otherwise, be involved. Following this, Steve, of the Washington State Parks Department, will describe the Department's approach and procedure to the upgrade of the LC Interpretive Center and then lead us on a tour of the progress. This may even (hopefully!) include some of the "behind the scenes" mechanics required to accomplish the renovations. In reality, we are getting a sneak preview of the center. Originally,jt was supposed to be finished so that this event would be the dedication of the remodeled center, but things will not be quite ready until early August (at last notice).

After a lunch break, we will gather again and have a motor-tour of some of the local LC sites that are not very well known about. This may even include stops on· the Discovery Trail and at the Ilwaco Heritage Museum. Instructions will be given at the morning meeting. (Note: Lunch will be on your own as the are no facilities at the center. There is a small store across from the parl< entrance, otherwise you will need to bring your own lunch or go back into Ilwaco to a store or restaurant. Also, there are many lodges in the Ilwaco - Long Beach area or you may wish to find a lodge in Astoria and explore the Oregon side on Sunday morning.)

Hope you can attend as it has all the makings of a very interesting "day at the beach!•

June 21 Meeting Directions Fort Canby - The June 21 meeting for the WA. ST. Chapter will be held at the Fort Canby Interpretive Center that is sitting right on top of an old gun battery that was once part of the Coastal Defense System. The center is in the final stages of renovations but will have plenty of room to accommodate us.

From wherever you happen to be, follow US 101 into the seaport town of Ilwaco. At the only traffic light in town, tum RT if coming south from Long Beach, go straight ahead if from Astoria, onto North Head Road. At Willows Rd, veer left onto Robert Gray Dr. Follow this road south about 2 miles to Ft Canby Rd and veer right. Follow to the park entrance and continue ahead, up the hill to the parl<ing lot. The center is up a paved path on top of the ridge. (A road up to the center is available for those who may not be able to walk up from the lot.) And bring your camera!!

Lewis and Clark Trail Map As you have noticed, there is a complimentary copy of the newest National Parle Service brochure

map of the Lewis and Clari< Trail included in this issue of WON. The chapter was able to obtain a box of 500 of these maps for distribution to members at no cost. The intent is to make these available to visitor's centers and museums along the trail for others to use while on The Trail. Though not comprehensive in any one area, they are a good "guide" to the whole route, including the east-end from Washington City. The only glaring errors are the drawing of the keelboat that is identified as a "pirogue, • and the October 18th date as when Clari< saw Beacon Rock (it was Nov. 2nc1!) Otherwise, it is a nice little informational pamphlet that should help most visitors cross the trail. Anyone wishing a few more may contact me at: 128 Galaxie Road, Chehalis, WA 98532 or by e-mail at: tltj@localaccess.com. Happy traveling! Tim Underwood, Editor

News from Along the Trail:

Lewis and Clark Silver Dollar Approved for 2004 Monticello - The final approved designs for the LC silver dollar were unveiled to attendees at Monticello on January 18th. U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore presented the new designs during the commemoration ceremonies, held before almost 3000 people. Though the two designs - obverse and reverse - were approved by the Commission of Fine Arts last August and by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Commission in October, it was thought fitting to await introduction until January at the initial event of the bicentennial.

The designs were the artful work of Mint Sculptor-Engraver Donna Weaver. Her obverse design shows Captains Lewis and Clark in the center discussing plans with a "forested wilderness" in the bac;kground. The word "LIBERTY" is across the top rim, and "LEWIS AND CLARK BICENTENNIAL" across the bottom rim. The date 2004 is between this and the figures.

The reverse side is symbolic, with beaded feathers forming the sides, a replica of the Jefferson peace medal in the lower center and 17 five-pointed stars above it. The motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is across the top rim with "UNITED STATES of AMERICA" across the bottom. Between this and the peace medal is the denomination "ONE DOLLAR."

The authorizing legislation only allows for the coin to be minted between January 1st and December 31st of 2004. The maximum number that can be minted is 500,000, and will be offered in "Proof and Uncirculated versions." The· coin will also be included in the currency set for 2004, or it can be secured in "premium" package deals, including hide pouches, stamps and other publications.

Though the price has not been set, and most likely will not be for several more months, there will be a $10 surcharge on each coin that should raise about $5 million in proceeds. This money will be split two-thirds to one-third to go to the National Bicentennial Commission and the National Park Service, respectively, to help fund activities for the bicentennial commemoration. (Thanks to Dave Aungst of the Grand Canyon Chapter and Dave Nicandri of the WA ST Chapter for their

input on this issue. Edited for WON.)

The Parks are OPEN! Spokane, WA - Good News! The three parks in SE Washington that the State Parks Department closed last year to save money are now open according to word from the Office of Financial Management. The Army Corps of Engineers, the landowner, has let out the parks in question to a private concessionaire, Northwest Land Management. All three were opened on or before May 23rd, in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

According to Eric Mart, president of Northwest's parent company, CLM, based in California, it was not easy since no maintenance had been performed all winter and the Parks Dept. had pulled all of its equipment out. It was a very "hurried effort" to get the parks, Chief Timothy, Central Ferry and Lyons Ferry, ready to open by that date.

Northwest's regional manager, Carole Lindquist, says that the costs for using the parks are the same as a State Park, i.e. a $5 day-use fee and $15 for a campsite. However, there will not be a "camp host" as is seen in most State campgrounds, nor will there be any programs available.

Northwest also operates campgrounds in the Wenatchee-Okanogan and Gifford Pinchot National Forests.

But the parks are open for the expected Lewis and Clark visitors over the next three years. We owe the Army Corps of Engineers a big "thanks," and hope that the change in operators will not lessen the experience for the bicentennial.

(Thanks to David Danner, OFM, Olympia. Edited for WON, 2003.)

Reminder: Zebra Mussels For you boaters - powered, paddled or sailed - please remember that there is a very serious

threat to our PNW waterways if boaters are careless. I am speaking of the dreaded Zebra Mussel that has wreaked havoc with eastern waterways. It will most likely end up in our waters through the "gunnels" of pleasure craft following the Lewis and Clark Trail.

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If you, or anyone you know, are planning on boating the waters east of the Continental Divide, please be absolutely sure that you thoroughly clean your craft off and out. These critters have been known to get into the bilge water and, thus, transported to uninhabited waters.

These animals have devastated local species - indeed, wiped them out in some cases. Please do your part in preventing the spread of this unwanted menace, and save our PNW ecosystems.

Oregon - California Trails Association's 2004 Convention in Vancouver Vancouver, WA - The Oregon - California Trails Association (OCTA) will be holding its 2004 annual convention in Vancouver, WA from August 8th through August 14th. This convention will feature the Lewis and Clark Expedition as the forerunner of the emigration that followed almost 40 years later. The common element here is the Columbia River, a water trail used by both the Expedition and some of the emigrants from the mouth of the Walla Walla River to the site of the Hudson's Bay Company's Fort Vancouver.

The convention features two days of meetings, two days of bus tours and various social events. It is expected that a Lewis and Clark tour from Vancouver to the Pacific that includes both Station Camp and Fort Clatsop will be conducted. Also, a trip from The Dalles to Fort Vancouver will be considered a~ well as papers on Lewis and Clark being solicited for presentation at the meetings.

It is with this last paragraph in mind that OCTA would like to extend an invitation to lewis and Clark enthusiasts to join in the convention planning. Knowledgeable persons are needed to help design and lead the tours. Membership in OCTA is not a requirement, although you are very welcome to join.

The tours will be as follows: Columbia River West (Lewis and Clark), Columbia River East to Maryhill and The Dalles (Lewis and Clark and Oregon Trail), Willamette Valley, Barlow Road (bus and hiking) and a Stemwheeler excursion up the Columbia as an added event on August 15th. The evening of the last full day will be the Farewell BBQ.

If you are interested in helping, contact WA. ST. chapter member Dave Welch, who is the convention chairman, at 253-584-0332 or welchdj@attbi.com for additional information or to volunteer.

Signature Event: Falls of the Ohio October 14-26, 2003 Louisville, KY and Clarksville IN

The second "Signature Event" is not far off so it is time to consider making plans to attend. This will be a long (almost two weeks!) event that will surely have more than enough activities to keep even the most ardent "Clarkie" busy.

The Falls of the Ohio 13-clay commemoration and signature event will open with the reenactment of Lewis' arrival in Louisville and his meeting with William Clark on October 14th. It will close with the reenactment of the Corps' departure from Clarksville on October 26th. Between those dates, extensive Native American and African American programs, educational programs, a symposium with renowned speakers, Corps of Discovery II exhibits and programs, St. Charles Expedition programs, special exhibits and programs at area institutions, art exhibits and performances, and the expanded annual Lewis and Clark River Festival will showcase the role the Falls of the Ohio area and its residents played in the success of the lewis and Clark Expedition.

For event information, contact: Dell Courtney Falls of the Ohio Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Committee PO Box2246 Louisville, KY 40201 Phone: 502-292-0059 E-Mail: dellcourtn@aol.com

For more information on the event itself, access the web site at: http://fallsoftheohio.org/lewisandclark.html

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Clymer Artwork of the Lewis and Clark Expedition Available

As a commemoration to the bicentennial, the Clymer Museum of Art in Ellensburg, WA has created a series of posters and note cards representing seven of the ten original paintings that John Ford Clymer made related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Several bf these wonderfully done images have graced the cover and inside articles of the national quarterly magazine, WPO, including "The Lewis Crossing," "Salt Makers" and "Hasty Retreat." These are now available for interested members. For a colored brochure and order form, you can contact the:

Clymer Museum of Art 416 North Pearl Street Ellensburg, WA 98926 Phone: 509-962-6416 Fax: 509-962-6424 E-Mail: clymermuseum@charter.net

Or, for a photocopy of both, you can contact your newsletter editor at: Tim Underwood 128 Galaxie Road Chehalis, WA 98532-9018 Phone: 360-748-7398 E-Mail: tltj@localaccess.com

The ·costs are $19 for posters and $2 for note cards. The sizes vary according to the size of the original painting.

These are authentic reproductions of Clymer's award-winning originals, and would make excellent additions to your collections or great gifts for fellow "Clarkies."

(Thanks to Diane Tasker of the Clymer Museum for making the forms available. Ed. 2003)

Book Notes ... Across The Snowy Ranges: The Lewis and Clark Expedition in Idaho and Montana. James R. Fazio, Mike Venso and Steve E. Russell. Woodland Press, Moscow, ID. 2001 . ISBN 0961503149. $29.95. 204 pages. Hardcover.

The Lolo Pass - Bitterroot Mountains trail was well known to those who used it. The twists and turns, the ups and downs were recognized quickly - as long as you were Salish, Sahaptian or Shoshone! But, to a group of white men who had never been over the route, let's just say this is where they needed "their courage undaunted." Author James Fazio, along with photographer Mike Venso (past president of the Idaho Chapter) and map-maker Steve Russell, has put together a beautiful book that focuses on just the crossing of these formable mountains, beginning with Lemhi Pass and following through to the Snake River. All three men add their own knowledge and insights to the text that help shape the gut-wrenching passage the Corps made through the Bitterroots - both ways!

Through the use of journal writings, personal knowledge of the area and Nez Perce traditions concerning the trail and mountains, the reader gets acquainted with the trail, almost as well as being there. And, by looking into the photos, you can almost transform yourself to the spot as if seeing just what the Corps-members saw.

This book would be very highly recommended for anyone planning to travel any part of the Bitterroots from Canoe Camp east to Traveler's Rest. For the rest of us, it is still a good read with excellent photos that would tend to make us envious of those who went there.

(Thanks to Doc Wesselius for the loan of the book. It was a very enjoyable read! Ed.)

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Lewis & Clark as Naturalists - On the Web! On May 1, 2003, the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History launched a

new web site called •Lewis and Clark as Naturalists." This new - and interesting - site highlights the natural history of the expedition, the first major contribution of such material from west of the Mississippi River in U.S. history.

The site digitally recreates "the entire assemblage" of plant and animal specimens that were collected and/or described by the Corps of Discovery. Though predominantly set up for teachers, anyone interested in this great adventure can find something of interest. The specimen images have been "framed" in their historical context by "pairing" them with appropriate field notes that describe the geographic, chronological, cultural and scientific environ­ment of each species. The interactive map allows the viewer to "explore" the journey state-by-state or by location, even by category. For teachers, lesson plans are also available.

The web site spans the disciplines of science, geography, language arts and history, and has been designed to be relevant for teachers and students as well as the general public. It provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain "inferences" from the journals themselves, i.e. primary resources. These include, beside the journals, the first scientific publications of some of the species. According to developer, Robert Costello of the Smithsonian Institution, "Exploring this web site species-by-species is to discover the holdings of the Ark of North America two centuries past." Or, as Alexander von Humboldt stated it, a "portrait of nature:

This interesting web site can be ac~ssed at www.mnh.si.edu/lewisandclark. However, in order to "experience all of the content," three free plug-ins will need to be downloaded from the site homepage .. They take only a few minutes to load, and then you can enjoy a natural history tour of The Trail using this interactive site, complete with specimen and field views of this epic adventure. Enjoy!

· (Smithsonian Institution News Release, May 2003. Edited for WON.)

Cathlapotle Update .•• Ridgefield, WA - Shortly after receiving a $50,000 grant from the National Park service, the Plankhouse Project at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge has recently been awarded a 2-to-1 Challenge grant that will help the project raise needed funds. The Meyer Memorial Trust has made the grant, put into effect April 15tt1, that states that "all monetary and cedar log donations received" after April 15tti "will count toward the $120,000 goal the Project must meet to receive an additional $60,000 from the Trust." This will greatly increase the opportunity to obtain the needed logs.

Felicitously, during the week of May 1?111, the Murdock Foundation stepped forward to meet the

challenge with a $75,000 grant. This leaves only $42,500 to meet the Meyer Trust challenge. Though the Murdock grant is a "Last-Dollar-In" grant that requires all the remaining construction money to be in hand before they make the grant, it is a tremendous help in completing the project

Speaking of logs, the Project is still in need of donated logs. As of late April, the pile of logs on site is about one third of what is needed. The new Trust and National Park Service monies will help, but more are still needed if you can help.

If you are interested in this project, why not consider volunteering to help on the project? The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge offers workshops for volunteers wishing to help. Courses on log splitting, bark peeling and making withes to tie pieces together are among the many different jobs covered in the workshops. Contact Recreation Specialist Yvette Donovan at 360-887-4106 or by e-mail at vvette donovan@fws.gov for more information on future workshop and volunteer opportunities.

• (Fish and Wildlife Service News Release, April 2003. Edited for WON.)

Future Meetings of the Washington State Chapter - LCTHF ·

June 21 , 2003 - Ilwaco, WA. Early Summer Meeting at Fort Canby State Park. 10:00 AM - Chapter Meeting at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Fort Canby. The Business Mtg will be conducted by Pres. Doc Wesselius. Then Carolyn Glen of the Long Beach Visitors Bureau will give us an overview of the Signature Event that will be held on the coast in 2005. Last, Steve Wang will explain the renovations at the center and, maybe, a tour. 1 :00 PM - Auto tour of the Cape Disappointment area to include Cape "D" and/or North Head lighthouses.

August 10-13, 2003 - Philadelphia, PA.· "The Quest for Knowledge" 35t11 Annual Foundation Meeting

September 20-21 , 2003 - SE Washington. The Fall Chapter Meeting, "The Overland Trail and Campo~r This will be a two-day auto tour of the "Overland Trail" from the mouth of the Walla Walla River to the mouth of the Clearwater River. The overnight campout will be at the Lewis and Clark Trail St.

. .Pk. near Dayton, WA. with Gary Lentz as our host.

February 7, 2004 - Annual Business meeting at the Washington State Historical Society Museum, Tacoma, WA.

Mark your calendars now and make plans for these dates to join us on "T:he Tram·

Contact Information: Murray Hayes, Program Chair, WA. St. Chap. 360-582-1069 (H) mlhayes@olyoen.com

WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER Lewis and Clark. Trail Heritage Foundation 128 Galaxie Ro'ad Chehalis, WA 98532

June 2003 Newsletter

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Dr. AG. Wesselius, P(g$., WA St. Chilp~ .. 360-736-6106 (H) docndeb@localaccess.com

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The mission of the LCTHF.is to stim.ulate appreciation of the Lewis and Clark . Expedition's contribution to America's heritage and to support education, research, development and preservation of the Lewis and Clark experience.

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